Kanazawa, the capital of the ancient Ishikawa Prefecture, sits in the northern coastal region of central Japan. Imagine this town as an old castle with ninja temples, geisha districts, and samurai. Additionally, Kanazawa is home to the most beautiful gardens, including the Kenroku-en Garden.

If you want to experience traditional Japanese culture in all its facets, Kanazawa also has several ryokans worth visiting. To help you even further, here are our top recommendations and their best features.

1. Kanazawa Hyakurakusou

Kanazawa Hyakurakusou is easily accessible by bus if you’re coming from the Kanazawa Station. Guests must take off their shoes the moment they enter the lobby and wear the slippers provided – a classic Japanese culture. One unique attraction that sets this ryokan apart is the fishing attraction in the bay. Fishing equipment are available at the ryokan.

Rooms have traditional tatami mats and private outdoor onsens. But if you’re saving on your travel budget, feel free to get the rooms without private onsen baths and just head to the public hot springs. The public onsen is definitely one you should not miss because it sits in a cave.

Kanazawa Hyakurakusou’s dining area is also in a cave. The ryokan serves fresh fish and fresh vegetables cooked to perfection!

Book It Here: Kanazawa Hyakurakusou

2. Sumiyoshiya

If you’re heading to Kanazawa by public transportation, Sumiyoshiya might be the most accessible onsen ryokan. It is located in the city center and is only within walking distance of the Kenrokuen Garden, Omicho Market, and Kanazawa Castle.

A local family owns and operates Sumiyoshiya, which explains the ryokan’s warm hospitality and friendly staff. All rooms have tatami floors, futon beds, and shoji doors. Local Kaiseki meals are also available for an additional charge, and you can enjoy them directly in your room. Sumiyoshiya also has a public onsen and a zen garden for hanging out.

Book It Here: Sumiyoshiya

3. Yamanoo

Yamanoo is one of the oldest ryokans on a hilltop in the Higashi Chaya district. You can very well see how the owner of this structure loves art with its contemporary yet unique exteriors and decor.

One of the main reasons Yamanoo is famous among tourists is the dining experience. The dishes have authentic flavors and showcase artistry in their arrangement and display. Being an old yet classical inn, this ryokan only has four guestrooms in 4 separate buildings, so you can really feel the private and relaxing atmosphere.

The walls inside the room are vibrant vermillion and offer beautiful Higashi Chaya views. The staff serves all meals in your room.

Book It Here: Yamanoo

4. Ryokan Murataya

Ryokan Murataya is perfect for budget travelers! The rates are typically lower than most ryokans, but you can still experience the traditional Japanese culture. Artists will love this place – you can see all the popular places in Kanazawa painted on the walls of the ryokan’s lobby. A welcome cup of tea is also served for every guest that arrives!

Ryokan Murataya’s public onsen is a traditional tile bath that is open to everyone. However, it’s not tattoo-friendly, so you might need to cover up if you have inklings or drawings on your skin. All rooms have tatami mats with beautiful garden views. However, only shared bathrooms per floor are available.

Book It Here: Ryokan Murataya

5. Motoyu Ishiya

Motoyu Ishiya is famous for its staff’s traditional hospitality. It’s in the heart of Fukatani Onsen in Kanazawa, only a twenty- to thirty-minute drive from the city proper. Guestrooms exude history, as you can grasp the traditional culture of Japan from the Edo period.

Beautiful collections of artworks and other crafts surround Motoyu Ishiya. Moreover, the Ishiya-style kaiseki cuisine served during dinner is also a meal you can’t miss. All the dishes have unique flavors, and the local chefs utilize the finest and seasonal ingredients from Kanazawa.

Motoyu Ishiya also has a commendable garden, especially the “noh” stage built from a Japanese cypress. The ryokan holds a “noh” play every year, and you’re lucky if you’re given the chance to witness it during your stay here.

Book It Here: Motoyu Ishiya

6. Nakayasu Ryokan

Nakayasu Ryokan deserves to be on our list because of its homey atmosphere. It’s a family-operated business located in Old Kanazawa, and it’s near the main sightseeing attractions. These include the Higashi Chaya District, Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, Ohmicho Market, and the Samurai District.

Nakayasu Ryokan has traditional Japanese-style guestrooms, all with tatami mats, Futon bedding, and shoji sliding doors. Guests can choose between Japanese and Western breakfasts, but dinner is a full Japanese meal using fresh ingredients from the local Ohmicho Market.

Nakayasu Ryokan has two huge public baths—one for men and another for women. If you’re having business meetings, the ryokan also has banquet rooms you may reserve in advance. Additionally, free bike rentals are available for exploring Kanazawa.

Book It Here: Nakayasu Ryokan

7. Hotel Intergate Kanazawa

Hotel Intergate Kanazawa is one of the most modernized ryokans on this list. It’s a ryokan and hotel in one, so the stay here is undeniably relaxing yet luxurious. Hotel Intergate Kanazawa is easily accessible by private car or public transportation. Moreover, its location is also close to Kanazawa’s top sightseeing spots.

What you’ll love about Hotel Intergate Kanazawa is you’ll immediately feel at home. The ryokan provides nightwear for all guests, so you don’t need to bring your pajamas. An onsen is also available on the second floor, surrounded by walls filled with Kanazawa art.

The first-floor lounge is also perfect for relaxation. At the same time, it’s where you’ll be having your breakfast. Hotel Intergate Kanazawa also has a delicious-tasting dinner buffet from 9 to 11 every night. It’s an ochazuke buffet where you can DIY your rice with your preferred toppings. Then, pour tea over the mixture.

Book It Here: Hotel Intergate Kanazawa

8. Kinjohro

Did you know that Kinjohro was already operational in 1890? As it’s an old establishment, it’s one of the highlights of Kanazawa’s Japanese culture. Kinjohro is famous for its unique decor, flavorful cuisine, and overall sympathetic hospitality.

The entrance to Kinjohro has a gold folding screen and artworks from the ancient Meiji, Showa, and Edo periods. This ryokan only has six guestrooms, designed with natural red granite baths and Japanese cypress. The staff will also let you choose between a bed-type or a futon-type room. Of course, if you want an authentic Japanese experience, go with the futon bedding.

Book It Here: Kinjohro

9. Kanazawa Yuwaku Onsen Kokari

You still need to ride the car and drive for 30 minutes after getting off at Kanazawa Station to reach this next ryokan. But trust me, the unique onsen and seafood experience makes the long drive worth it!

Kanazawa Yuwaku Onsen Kokari has no public hot spring baths. Instead, all rooms are equipped with private onsens, so you can freely dip in the water anytime you wish! Moreover, the rooms have combined Western and traditional Japanese elements – tatami mats and luxurious beds.

Book It Here: Kanazawa Yuwaku Onsen Kokari

10. Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku

Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku is a combination of a traditional ryokan and a luxurious hotel. Upon entering the lobby, Western-style furniture pieces greet the elegant atmosphere. Rooms at Hakuchuro Hotel Sanraku have tatami mats and Western-style beds with colored glass windows.

What makes this ryokan popular is the afternoon tea set you can enjoy at the lounge. Taste the sweet traditional Kanazawa confections, best paired with the ryokan’s homemade brewed tea. The dining experience is also exceptional, with dishes made and prepared daily to guarantee their freshness. Pay an additional fee to try out the Kanazawa kaiseki breakfast and dinner.

Now, let’s talk about the onsen. The hot spring bath features coffee-colored water, which is believed to have moisturizing effects and high mineral content.

Book It Here: Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku

11. Ryokan Karasawa

Ryokan Karasawa is a perfect Japanese accommodation for commuting. It’s located in Central Kanazawa and is only a five-minute car ride after getting off at Kanazawa Station. This ryokan also offers a free shuttle service from the train station.

Like the previous ones mentioned, you can choose between Western-style and Japanese rooms. Its cafe and bar are also commendable because they serve homemade coffee and tasty cocktails at night. Bike rentals are also available; you can just ask one at the counter.

One of the best parts of Ryokan Karasawa is the spacious indoor hot spring bath available to all guests. It’s stunning and relaxing all at once! Ryokan Karasawa also has a Japanese garden where you can sit in peace outdoors or play tennis.

Book It Here: Ryokan Karasawa

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From Japanese to Western rooms, these ryokans in Kanazawa are worth visiting when traveling to Japan. Besides the warm hospitality, mouthwatering authentic dishes, and spacious rooms, most of the ryokans on this list feature relaxing onsen baths for a complete Japanese experience.

What are you waiting for? Head to Kanazawa and experience the ancient culture like you’ve never before. Let us know your experiences in the comments below!

For more Japanese traditional inns recommendation, make sure you also read our selection of the best luxury ryokans in Kyoto, the best luxury ryokans in Tokyo and the best Ryokans near Mount Fuji with private onsen.